Miss Universe Livestreaming: Wishing for a Miss Universe Back-to-Back Win for Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Today is the day. The most beautiful day in the universe!

86 "confidently beautiful" women, 1 crown by DIC worn by Paulina Vega and Pia Wurtzbach, and Ariadna Gutierrez for a few minutes, so far. Who will win? It all goes down here in Manila.

Today will be the day Maxine will or will not prove them haters wrong. For sure, one life will be changed today.

Our bet, Maria Myka Maxine Medina, is probably so nervous now because in only a few hours she will finally walk on stage amidst a live audience, and live streaming TV and online broadcast, coming from all over the world and all hoping that their own specific bets will win.

"Is the Miss Universe pageant is slowly redefining beauty, breaking stereotypes, and truly celebrating diversity? We'll find out later at with the happenings at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this January 30, 2017."
Are we confident Steve Harvey won't commit same Miss Universe blunder he did last year? The Miss Universe Organization (MOU) must have made sure he won't be confused again with the preparation of a better designed cue card from which he will read the names of the winners.

Our advise to the Miss Universe 2016 candidates? Be in the present moment and focus your energy on feeling good. "A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just bloom. Be like a flower."

For our official country representative, we believe in you Maxine! May the Universe be with you! Be the Brightest Star in the Universe today! Go, Maxine Medina! Go Ms. Philippines! Let's show Gloria Diaz - I mean the universe, that back-to-back win is possible. Win that crown again for the Philippines!

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Below are some of the photos of the Miss Universe 2016 candidates from the Red Carpet event held on January 29, 2017:

Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students Showcase Hand-Painted Scrolls and Plates at SM North EDSA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Behind all those brushstrokes is a family of artists and their students who creatively use their imagination and passion for the arts to come up with fabulous works of art. Every piece in the collection could be considered as a masterpiece especially for the individual creators. 

Since art is truly in the eyes of the beholder, what seems to be stunning for our senses, more specifically our vision, could be a different experience for others. I've seen so many works of art that has been priced in millions and with so many styles and medium that can be used to create paintings, sculptures, or even digital versions, there would always be some works that will definitely catch your eyes and give them more than a second look.

Art also inspires many to personally dabble into the same process to answer their yearning to create their own masterpieces. Every brushstroke could have meanings known only to the artists, and interpreted differently by the ones who appreciates them. All in all, there will soon bound to be one that would turn out as a favorite among the equally astonishing pieces. 

The Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students at exhibit located at the Atrium of The Block at SM North EDSA was intentionally displayed during the Chinese New Year celebration season and showcases so many interesting creations that would inspire you to either buy or even create your own artwork. From the paper scrolls to the plates, each piece are strikingly impressive.

Even though the Chan Lim siblings Alex, Felix, Rolex and Jolex have no background in the arts, and are actually licensed engineers connected with multinational companies representing various industries, it was Jose Chan Lim who got them interested in visual arts and painting. The siblings embraced their Chinese roots and learned how to use a Chinese brush on rice paper as early as 11 years old. 

Eat, Drink or Marry an Aussie: Celebrating Australia Day at Skippy's Bar & Grill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yup! I'm actually exaggerating on the title, particularly on that "Marry an Aussie" part. But who knows, there's a;ways a possibility. A night of mingling with new-found friends from Australia could lead to something more intimate other than just sharing a night of drinks while listening to the live band, watching sports channels, or playing a few game of billiards or darts.

Just a few days before the Chinese New Year is another well celebrated event recognized all over the world - Australia Day! Since this is not my first time to celebrate Australia Day at their place, you may want to read my previous article about it so you'll get an idea.

If you are one of those that enjoy a fantastic time shopping for healthy breakfast items, or attending the wine masterclasses, at the Australian Festival held at the Marketplace by Rustan's in Powerplant Mall located at Rockwell, Makati, or you are also sending your good luck to Caris Tiivel on her Miss Universe 2016 bid, then that could mean you love everything about Australia. Perhaps you may also enjoy your nights hanging out at bars where Aussies are frequent.
The night of January 26 was reserved for lots of eating, drinking, chatting and everything else beyond and in between. I have to admit I'm not the extrovert type who loves going out and spending the night hours at a bar or anywhere else that has intoxicating liquor or spirits as a prime commodity, but but it's somehow different at Skippy's Bar & Grill. You can read the articles from the links here so you'll get to know more about this restaurant located at Forum Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It's just opposite the site where Mercato Centrale is held and now there's the Maybank Performing Arts Theater just across the neighborhood of this business. leisure, arts and entertainment center of Taguig city.

Get Lots of Savings Everyday with Groupon Coupons

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.


Who doesn't want to save his or her hard-earned money? Of course, we all want to get the best deals out of everything, so saving a few more bucks by getting discounts or using coupons in purchasing certain brands would be a great help especially when accumulated. You'll be surprised how much money we saved when we finally compute it all. When we sum it all up, that's a lot of savings for us.

I remember one of my friends taking advantage of these discount coupons when shopping for her groceries. She actually was the one who influenced me to try them out too. Whether it's for a product or service, for a restaurant or boutique in a mall, or for a salon or a car wash service, for concerts or theme park attractions, we both loved the idea of getting a few bucks off from the regular price. It was the beginning of a habit for us to keep on collecting them for future use. We found ourselves discovering new brands and services, and visiting both near and far places just to gain the discount. We were surprised seeing ourselves using brands we never patronized before.

But our recent discovery made it a lot easier for us to get more deals. Instead of searching around in magazines and newspapers, or waiting for these special promos from the mail, or e-mail or social media networks like Facebook, Groupon Coupons made it easier for us to save money on the purchases we make online. The best thing is that we don’t have to pay for membership or other fees because It’s totally free!

It also meant no more long distance travelling to far-flung places since we could search for coupons usable near our locations, may it be from our home or office. Those near my friends, I could recommend or point them out to them if ever they have not seen it yet. We could also get all the best deals from our favorite brands, plus the coupons that we can't find anywhere else because they are exclusive to Groupon Coupons. The possibilities for great deals are almost endless that we'll never run out of great things to buy.

Imagine getting the best deals just infront of your computer or using a smartphone. It is so convenient and allows you not to miss out on all the opportunities. They also have social media pages like Facebook and Twitter that would provide you with more information and updates.

If you want value for your money, Groupon Coupons is one way to go, and may even be the best option!

#SayItLikeMalacanang: The Best Interpreter for Maxine Medina Goes Viral

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Warm felicitations to one and all this Sunday afternoon. And so we say, Mabuhay!
Many would say that the best interpreter can be found in the Philippines. But we would not limit it to the presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella or the communications operations secretary Martin Andanar, and the rest of the gang who speaks in behalf of the President - though they all couldn't stop Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte from talking shit, they still try their best to come up with twisted interpretations of what he said so he would still look, or sound, good even though he is arrogantly unstable in matters of thought and speech.

Just as how Malacanang would want a "Tangina mo" to be interpreted "objectively" or should we say "politically positive" only for their side (The president is currently stressed out because of lack of sleep and he did not take his lunch), or blame the media saying "Media wrongly distinguished a culture-driven dialect into a urban cursing. This is out of context." We couldn't help but frown and scratch our balls in amusement especially when we were all called as "Presstitutes" - media outlets that are so biased that they misquote the President and the truth of the matter they're all bullshit.

Malacanang would say "We find that there is no instances of cessation of life in the manner ascribed to by naysayers and critics alike." When the President Duterte said "Mayor ang dapat mauna," Malacanang would translate that as "Women should be respected and treated equal."

What followed were "derogatory remarks subsequently laid out by the world never was alleviating; it brought me into my repugnant remnants." That, ladies and gentlemen is Malacanang - Giving us "Alternative Facts" before "Alternative Facts" was ever a thing.

So netizens had a lot of fun coming up with many "interpretations" or "highfalutin" statements out of the obvious, and used the hashtag #SayItLikeMalacanang. This happened because of our Culture of anti-intellectualism or smart-shaming.

The dictionary was invented for things like this, that we may have more things to do than just write things up. Run-on sentences are a must! Identify the event, the subject, tell something about the subject, and then the event.

Let's take a cue from The Palace and exercise our creative thesaurus usage! Below are just some of the #SayItLikeMalacanang showing how witty Filipinos are:

3 Countries to Visit in Europe

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Switzerland

Obviously, the Alps are on nearly everyone’s bucket list and the impeccable times to visit them are late in to summer and early springtime. Switzerland is home to many festivals, also. One of the most famous is Lucerne Festival of Classical Music. In the Italian speaking part of the country, the Ticino, the Locarno International Film Festival is one not to miss in early August where you can watch an evening screening below the stars. Switzerland is simply all round beautiful.

Also, please remember when travelling inside of the EU for citizens in the European Economic Area it is a good idea to get you a European health card. It covers you for whichever medical care you may need, whether you become ill or endure any harm during an accident.

Italy

Italy is the home of some of the most admired and celebrated cities in the world, counting; Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice. Rome itself has been classified as one of the 10 most-visited towns in the world. The Italian cuisine is extremely popular across the globe and the country itself has an unbelievable historical worth. Most towns are quaint and full of character.



Spain
Every year millions choose Spain as their holiday destination. Culture, sun and scenery are the three most significant features of Spain. Not to forget the glorious nightlife, pleasant community and landscapes. Spain also offers great accommodation, a huge selection and endless attractions.

Kalayaan Residence Hall Proudly Presents PasaFest 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Being one of the university's most diverse melting pot of cultures, housing over five hundred residents from provinces all over the country, Kalayaan Residence Hall is proud to present its annual tourism, culture, and history festival: PasaFest 2017.

Pasalubong Festival, or Pasafest as fondly referred to by the UP Diliman community, is a popular and anticipated event attended by thousands of visitors yearly to take a look at the dormitory residents' collective and individual cultural through booths, cultural performances, and free food. Aimed to show the significance of socio-cultural awareness, PasaFest binds Filipinos despite different cultures and beliefs through immersion and experience.

"Iba't-ibang sinag, iisang araw": this year's theme focuses on unity through and despite diversity. By seeking to produce well-rounded students equipped with knowledge on the importance of innovation, creativity, social awareness, and cooperation, PasaFest 2017 wants to show, not only the university but especially the entire country, that wherever we are from and whoever we may be, we are one: our days are illuminated by one, bright, Filipino sun.

ONE Championship Chairman Promises Fireworks in Organization’s Return to Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!
With ONE Championship returning to Manila, Philippines on 21 April, Asia’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization seeks to electrify the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena once again.

Company chairman Chatri Sityodtong revealed that ONE Championship is preparing a blockbuster event for its tenth venture on Philippine shores.

“April 21st in Manila is going to be a massive, massive event. We are going to have a crazy card for the fans in the Philippines. You’ve got to come out and show your love. We’re going to see some fireworks. It will probably be our biggest event in the Philippines,” he stated,

Sityodtong confirmed that Filipino fighter Eduard Folayang will be defending the ONE Lightweight World Championship title for the first time against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the main event.

Last November, the 33-year-old Baguio City native pulled off an upset victory over Shinya Aoki to become an MMA world champion after nine years of competing in the sport.

Folayang dethroned Aoki by way of third-round technical knockout, driving a hard knee to the head before unleashing a barrage of punches to coerce referee Yuji Shimada to wave it off.

“In order to become a legend, you have to beat a legend. He did that despite being dominated by Shinya Aoki in the first round. Eduard Folayang showed what it’s like to conquer the odds,” Sityodtong said of Folayang’s stunning victory over Aoki.

“He is going to defend it in his home country for the first time. I want the entire country, if you’re a Filipino or have a Pinoy heart, you’ve got to watch this fight,” he added.

Aside from Folayang, Sityodtong also confided that Ben Askren will make the third defense of his ONE Welterweight World Championship belt in the Philippines.

Widely regarded as one of the best welterweight MMA fighters in the world today, Askren is no stranger to fighting on Philippine soil as he already fought twice in the country.

Askren is coming off a unanimous decision triumph over Russia’s Nikolay Aleksakhin in April of last year, keeping his unblemished MMA record intact.

As for Askren’s challenger in April, Sityodtong bared that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

According to Sityodtong, ONE Championship’s matchmakers are working really hard in filling up the bout lineup for its trip to the Philippines on 21 April.

"We’re definitely going to have some of the biggest Filipino superstars back. I hope to see the best and the brightest from the Philippines. I also hope to see Geje Eustaquio and Kevin Belingon,” he shared.

Although the promotion plans to further extend its reach across Asia, Sityodtong admitted that the Philippines remains one of ONE Championship’s key markets in the region.

“The Philippines is a very important market for us. I truly believe that ONE Championship can become mainstream where every single Filipino is enthralled with what ONE Championship has to offer,” he stated.

Sityodtong stressed that ONE Championship sets its sights in cultivating more homegrown talents from the Philippines.

“The Philippines is a nation of warriors. There are still a lot of talents coming out of the Philippines. It has a very rich history of martial arts. So we will see a lot of great things,” he ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Time to End Abusive ‘War on Drugs’ - Hontiveros

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“This style of war on drugs clearly suffers from human rights and legal deficiencies”.

This was the statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday during the Senate investigation on the kidnapping and and slay of a Korean national in the hands of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to Hontiveros, the way to resolve the problem on drugs is through legal means and through a PNP that is fully committed to human rights and rule of law. “Ang tokhang for ransom ay hindi isang isolated incident. Ito ay produkto ng isang war on drugs na walang pagtataya at pag-galang sa human rights at rule of law”, she said.

"Galit ako sa ilegal na droga at dapat itong labanan pero galit din ako sa mga abusadong pulis na nambibiktima ng mga inosenteng tao," Hontiveros added.

The senator urged the PNP to reflect on its current anti-drugs campaign before it further harms the public and erodes public trust to the PNP.

"I urge PNP Chief Ronaldo dela Rosa to at least suspend this aggressive style as they clean up their ranks of all bad elements and re-instate internal discipline," Hontiveros said.

It was reported that Dela Rosa admitted that some of his police senior officers have no control over their subordinates.

"Masakit man sabihin pero inaamin ko na marami kaming junior officers na siga, bastos, undisciplined… depende sa degree of influence," Dela Rosa said during the Senate investigation when asked on why Senior Police Officer4 (SPO4) Roy Villegas is afraid of Senior Police Officer3 Ricky Sta. Isabel. The PNP Chief said that Villegas was merely following the instructions of Sta. Isabel on the Korean-kidnap-murder. Both Villegas and Sta. Isabel are implicated in the said crime.

#ReadySetGO! Run wild with Ekobuds GO

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We are so excited to share with you a new gadget that will definitely advocate an active lifestyle, and suit for every moment we’re built to be on-the-go. We would like to introduce to you our first wireless Bluetooth earphones, the Ekobuds GO.

Attached is our press release along with product photos you may use for your blog/social media posts. Thanks everyone and I have a wonderful week ahead!

Cheers,
Pauline Hermoso
Marketing Assistant
Frontier Gadget Inc

Engage for an adventure in the long haul and live with the rush with Ekobuds GO! It’s suited for an active lifestyle, as you can tune in to the soundtrack of your day with hassle-free connectivity. Strut your way with its matte black finish that adds that accent you’ve been looking for your style. Take your daily activities to an enjoyable level with this dust and sweat-proof Ekobuddy. It's time to stop watching the clock and start making all your plans happen. With Ekobuds GO, you can go run wild.

Bluetooth: V4.1+EDR
Chipset: AB1512
Frequency range: 20HZ-20Khz
Sensitivity: 95DB 士3db
Impedance: 32Ω
Play time: 4.5 hrs
Standby time: 120hrs
Charging time: 2hrs
Battery: 80 mAh
Water resistance level: IPX4

SRP: 1470

Available starting February 1 at Ekotek kiosks (SM Megamall and SM North EDSA), Office Warehouse, Anson’s, and more stores nationwide!

#Ekobuddy #ReadySetGO

Hontiveros: Death Penalty Under a Weak Justice System Will Give Filipinos Another Spectre to Fear

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros publicly opposed moves to reinstate capital punishment in the Philippines.

Speaking before 100 leaders of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) on Friday, Hontiveros said that death penalty combined with extrajudicial killings will create a new wave of fear among Filipinos.

"Extrajudicial killings together with constitutional killing brought about by death penalty will only add to the growing climate of fear and impunity in the country. It will further undermine the people's human rights, particularly the right to life," Hontiveros said.

The neophyte senator explained that the government's plan to reimpose the death penalty contradicts its supposed rehabilitation and reformation programs for convicted drug users and criminals.

“The broad scope of crimes punishable by death, including the mere possession of illegal drugs, is extremely bothering. What is therefore the point of building a mega-drug rehabilitation center in Nueva Ecija if the government wants all the drug dependents killed anyway?

Hontiveros also said that she can't imagine how the death penalty will work under the country's weak justice system which is prone to abuse and corruption.

"According to government data, from 1993 to 2004, 71 % of death penalty convictions have either been modified or revoked. This comes from an automatic review of the Supreme Court. Now imagine if the review procedure was not there? How many innocent loves would have been lost," Hontiveros remarked.

Hontiveros said that one of the best ways to protect the people from crime is to radically reform the country's justice system. "Ang kailagan natin ay mga batas at isang sistema na nagtatanggol at nagpapabuti sa buhay ng tao, hindi pumapatay," Hontiveros said.

"Proper and modern law enforcement, including standing behind the protection of human rights and observance of the rule of law, are the best methods to protect the people from crime and illegal drugs. A fast, fair and working justice system is the more effective deterrent against crime," Hontiveros concluded.

First and Only Outdoor Theater Production House, Globe LIVE, Wins Big at Broadway World Awards PH 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe - the #1 mobile brand in the Philippines has always gone the extra mile to cater to the evolving lifestyle of its customers. Wanting to give a richer experience whether online or on-ground, Globe expanded its efforts to give Filipinos access to world-class content and entertainment with the launch of Globe LIVE and its concept of ‘accidental theater’.

Through Globe LIVE and its original live productions, content that used to only be available to few, such as theater, was now easily enjoyed by many. By building a dynamic space like the entertainment zone at Globe ICONIC store, Globe was able to open up a whole new venue for more inclusive events.

The first and only open-air theater concept in the country, Globe LIVE had a banner launch with its first ever full-on Filipino theatrical production in partnership with 9Works Theatrical, Green Day’s American Idiot. Garnering positive reviews and acclamations, Globe LIVE together with 9Works Theatrical set the bar high for theater productions given the new outdoor format. Held in July 2016, Green Day’s American Idiot ran for nine successful shows, making it the first successful outdoor theatrical play in the Philippines.

Further validating its success is its recent major wins at the coveted Broadway World Philippines Awards for 2016. Globe LIVE and 9Works Theatrical’s Green Day’s American Idiot gained recognition in 7 significant categories:

Cusi - Furious at CASURECO III's Poor 34% Household Level Restoration Effort

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Despite having 92% status of restored households in Typhoon Nina affected areas, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the involved electric cooperatives to complete restoration of power facilities as soon as possible.

The Secretary made the statement today upon learning about the latest report of Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative’s (CASURECO III) slow movement in its restoration efforts.

“We cannot accept CASURECO III’s restoration status at 34% only following all of the combined efforts of the government and the private sector for restoring damages brought by Typhoon Nina,” Sec. Cusi emphasized.

Sec. Cusi underscored that “We want to determine the root cause of the delay in restoration, thus I wanted NEA through Admin. Ed Masongsong to take over the restoration efforts in CASURECO III covering Camarines Sur's Rinconada area.”

In a recent coordination efforts by the DOE, NEA Administrator Masongsong committed to create Task Force Rinconada to take over the restoration efforts in CASURECO III.

Sec. Cusi relayed that Admin. Masongsong already recalled the Project Manager and informed the Board of CASURECO III of the “NEA takeover" which will be implemented this February.

Other areas that the Secretary wanted to focus on are the hard-hit provinces of Catanduanes and Marinduque under the franchises of First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO) and Marinduque Electric Cooperative (MARELCO), respectively.

Maxine Medina Radiates at the Miss Universe 2016 Preliminary Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We have to admit that Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina was every bit stunning at the preliminaries of the Miss Universe pageant. She truly carried herself beautifully well. Of course the elegantly designed gowns have something to do it but only a radiant beauty like her can manage to flaunt it like she means going home with a Miss Universe crown soon.

From swimwear, to evening gown, then national costume, we were definitely stunned with what we saw. She nailed it right where we wanted it. Her confidence seems to be reaching us and as far as the farthest part of the venue. That look, that smile, that aura of glamour and sophistication - makes us all so speechless.

I had my eye on her from start to finish. Maxine is beaming with natural charm and sex appeal that you couldn't imagine she is the same lady that many are criticizing for being less fluent with the English language.

But of course we were also impress with the other candidates. Actually, most of them do deserve to be a part of this competition. The Miss Universe beauty pageant should frequently boast of being the top search for the most stunning female in the world...errr..we mean the universe, rather.

The preliminary competition of Miss Universe 2016 was held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night, January 26, 2017. That's just less than a week before the big day when the judges finally choose their new Miss Universe for 2016 - the one that will take over Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Well, we wish Maxine all the luck in this Universe! We are highly anticipating the results on January 30 when the whole world will finally get to witness who will be the newest Miss Universe.

Partner Photographer Edmund Ong Chua

DOE Backs UN Energy Agenda in Bangkok Meet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines expressed full support for the United Nation’s (UN) energy thrusts that run parallel with the country’s own agenda such as ensuring energy security, promoting a low carbon future, achieving total electrification and improving energy efficiency.

Representing Secretary Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy (DOE), Undersecretary Jesus Cristino Posadas led Philippine energy sector delegates in the recent meeting of the newly established Committee on Energy of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Posadas told the meeting held in at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand that the Philippines also backs the restructuring of the commission including the establishment of an energy committee.

The DOE official led high-ranking delegates as Chairperson and topic discussions Moderator of the session on "Energy Transition and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals.”

He emphasized the need for regional energy cooperation and interconnectivity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: “Affordable and Clean Energy.”